Fratello

Generous portions and a comfortable neighborhood vibe bring happy regulars to this casual Italian restaurant in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood. Its location at the edge of a shopping plaza is less than prepossessing, but the friendly staff and tasty dishes make up for any shortfalls. A live band sets up shop every Saturday, making it a particularly popular night for a visit. Pastas—many of them homemade—star on the menu and include fettuccine in a ragù of grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, and San Marzano tomatoes. Pizzas and hearty entrées like the pan-seared salmon with wild mushroom risotto and garlic spinach are also solid choices. For dessert, the tender, buttery apple tart is a tasty delight with sweet chunks of apple accented by cinnamon syrup.